Dangerous Axel Weight Capacity?

Trailmanor's site at:  http://www.heinzrv.com/heinzrv3/WW11.htm  states that the single axles carry 3,500 pounds.  However, if you add up the Approximate dry weight of any of their units, along with the approximately load capacity--every one of their loaded units runs over 4,000 pounds!  Is Trailmanor setting up a dangerous situation by using an innappropriately sized axle?  :-[

Maybe not so happy trails!

Joan

[mjlaupp]

The key word here is "carry". That means weight loaded on the axle mounting plates. If you subtract a tongue weight of approx' 400 lbs. and an estimated weight of 200 lbs. for the axle, wheels, tires and brakes from the "loaded unit weight" of 4,000 lbs. then the axle is only carring 3400 lbs. under a "loaded unit".

[Denny_A]

The key word here is "carry". That means weight loaded on the axle mounting plates. If you subtract a tongue weight of approx' 400 lbs. and an estimated weight of 200 lbs. for the axle, wheels, tires and brakes from the "loaded unit weight" of 4,000 lbs. then the axle is only carring 3400 lbs. under a "loaded unit".

Addendum to Mike's comment; for single axle trailers limited to 3500 lbs down force.

The max weights (MGVW) are based on a) all the tongue weight being carried on the hitch, and b) 3700 lbs max load on the single axle. I.e.; 3500 lb axle limit + unsprung wheels and axle weight of 200 lbs.

Problem with a) : If a WDH hitch is used (at max gross weirht), about 1/3 of the tongue weight is distributed to the trailer. So, if tongue weight is 510 lbs, then load sent to the axle is 170 lbs.

Problem with b) The TM manual says the axle limit INCLUDES the wheels and axle and the trailer sitting on the axle. The TM engineer says otherwise - wheels/axle not included.

What's a poor traveler to do? First - decrease max gross weight by 150 to 200 lbs if a WDH is used. Second - decide if 3500 lbs is the true limit of the axle , or if 3700 lbs is!

If one uses a WDH,  a 4100 lb MGVW trailer has to be dropped to 3900-3950 lbs MGVW. If 3500 lbs, measured at the tires is used, then with a WDH, you're down to 3850 lbs MGVW ( 3500 lbs + 340 to 360 lbs on the hitch).

Point - consider all the factors in order to make proper decisions when loading a TM.

Denny_A

Wow, you guys out there really are knowledgable!  Thanks for clarification; the numbers just looked scarey!

Joan